Pork and Pesto

Spring has sprung! I am loving the 70 something weather, the blooming mountain laurel filling the air with grape-sodaish aroma, and then finally getting outside to plant some flowers and vegetables. It is also the time when I start craving lighter, summery entrees, full of crisp fruits and vegetables. And maybe a margarita. Oh and chocolate…but you know how that is.Every so often I like to break the chicken/beef dinner rut and mix it up with some fish, or pork. Pork loin is a nutritious lean meat packed with B vitamins such as thiamin. Pork contains a whopping 54% thiamin which aids in metabolism. It helps break down carbohydrates to fuel your nervous system and brain. That being the case and having a busy, busy 8 month old boy to keep up with, I know I need a lot of thiamin.

My husband will pick up a huge pork loin from Costco and before freezing will cut it up into chops and roasts. Very cost-effective. Grilled pork loin chops is a family favorite, mainly because of this gem of a recipe for cilantro pesto I will share with you.

This is THE best pesto I have ever had by a long shot. Very healthy and good on everything. Thank you Southern Living!

I don’t use pine nuts very often so instead of running to the grocery every time just for a little bag, I buy one large bag of them and keep them in the freezer. I put 2 tablespoons frozen pine nuts on a baking sheet and broil, flipping them once until both sides are lightly browned.

After they are toasted (and not burned…you have to watch them like a hawk I have learned…), I combine all the ingredients except the olive oil in a little food processor. Pulse 10 times until chopped. Then drizzle olive oil over mixture and pulse 6 more times. Serve as is or can cover and chill.

Hope you find this recipe as enjoyable as we do! Let me know what you think!

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Hi! I’m Elissa.

Welcome! I am a registered dietitian, mother of 2 littles, and messy cook who loves spreading credible nutrition knowledge and tasty, nutritious recipes. With our busy lifestyles now a days, I am ALL about simplicity without sacrificing taste or nutrition. My hope is to empower clients, individuals, and families with the nutritional knowledge that allow them to live life to the fullest, and enjoy their food too!